What Is the U.S. Plan for Libya?

Introduction

Senior Airman Kenny Holston/Agence France-Presse -- Getty ImagesA B-2 bomber returning to Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri on March 20 from a sortie over Libya.

Allied fighters struck targets in Tripoli on a fourth day of airstrikes, but the forces loyal to Col. Muammar el-Qaddafi showed no signs of ending their attacks on rebel-held cities. Meanwhile, disputes continued within the allied coalition over how the military campaign should continue and under whose command.

President Obama has said that the purpose of this mission into Libya is to protect civilians. While the allies appear close to establishing a no-fly zone over the country, the airstrikes have not yet succeeded in the broader aim to force Colonel Qaddafi to withdraw his forces from embattled cities and cease all attacks against civilians.

What is a pragmatic plan for the United States at this juncture? What is the next step?